A Big Thank You To Humble Pie

I am so greatful to have gotten to know so many of you wonderful ladies in blogland.

Kind, generous, intelligent, and creative ladies who love God and love their families.

One of these ladies who has touched my heart so dearly is Lissa from Humble Pie.

Lissa just started her own line of products called "Keep It Simple, Keep It Fresh".

She is selling these awesome aprons.

And the best part is~ I won one!

If you are interested in getting one of your own, please visit her blog where she has a link to buy one.

And fitting in perfectly with the theme is that my package arrived yesterday afternoon just a few hours before my gluten-free cooking class!

A lot of the information included local restaurants and where to buy gluten-free products, but I wanted to share with you a few things I learned.

There is a website: www.glutenfreeregistry.com for restaurants that feature GF menu options.

I have been lactose intolerant for several years and continue to have GI issues so I now live a Gluten-Free Lactose-Free lifestyle.

Simplicity and Spring Cleaning

In keeping with the title of my blog, Frugal and Vintage, I thought I would talk a little about the Frugal part since my Etsy shop pretty much sums up the Vintage part.

I have to admit, while I enjoy simplicity and frugality, I stray from time to time. Life just gets busy and these things get pushed aside.

But now, more than ever, with the rising gas prices and the unstable economy, I am putting in more of an effort to focus on these things. And with so many fellow bloggers who live similar lifestyles, finding the inspiration can be easy. Lissa from Humble Pie is a perfect example of someone who puts in 100% effort to keeping a beautiful home.

And I don't know what is better, a decluttered home or making money! My husband is on vacation this week, so my strategy is to tackle the following:
*the toys (need I say more!)
*the rest of the baby equipment (pack 'n play, car seat bases, etc)
*the clothes that the girls have outgrown
*old appliances (Yes, my husband remodeled our kitchen four years ago and we have yet to part with the old stovetop. It was not that old when we bought the house the year before and we are hoping to list it on Craigslist soon.)
*wedding gifts that we have never opened.

I conveniently work at a friend's consignment shop on Saturday's, so I bring my girls' items there to sell. And I have another local consignment shop where I bring my own items.

Of course, I love when my things sell because then I make money and sometimes I take the cash, but often I buy "new" or "like new" brand name items at a fraction of the cost.

Of course, there are the odd items that consignment shops don't take, so I either sell on Craigslist on a rare occasion or I have the Vietnam Veterans van pick up my donated items.

There is definitely something exciting about decluttering and living a simple life.

A Big Thank You and Some Soup for The Soul

Everyone in my family (and I do mean everyone!)has had the stomach bug this weekend.

So, with the help from a little soup and alot of Gatorade, we are slowly feeling better!

And I want to thank the sweet and super talented Susan from Hometown Girl for passing on the Stylish Blogger Award to me!

I am supposed to tell you 7 things about me. I hope you are still here at the end of the list!

1. I was a high school teacher before becoming a stay at home mom with my girls two years ago.

2. I love our family vacation we take every summer to North Conway, NH. It is such a beautiful, clean and peaceful place.

3. I can't start my day without cinnamon hazelnut coffee.

4. I have a small addiction to HGTV. Especially House Hunters.

5. I really look forward to spring every year. I love the weather and the gorgeous flowers.

6. I really hope to meet some fellow bloggers some day.

7. I thank God every day for my two beautiful little girls.

I would like to pass this award to the lovely Lissa from Humble Pie. If you read her blog, you know that she is a beautiful person on the inside and outside.

XO,
Kerri

Blogging Inspiration

I have been so inpsired this week in blogland, that I just have to share.

So many bloggers have inspired me to really make an effort to read more.

After the girls go to bed, I snuggle under my warm fleece(yes, fleece)sheets and curl up with a book.

Of course, I have Edie from Life in Grace to thank for her sharing her love of reading with us. (Edie, I am waiting for Mere Christianity to arrive in the mail any day now!)

And, the wonderful Lissa from Humble Pie who raved about Paula Deen's autobiography, which I ordered right away and it arrived yesterday! (I bought it USED on Borders.com for $1.00, but it was never read!)

And today I went with my dad to the Dollar Store and found Paula White's Book You're All That! for a dollar!

Of course, i have also been inspired by so many beautiful homes like Humble Pie (sigh!) and Dreamy Whites (sigh again!) that I went out and bought Mrs. Meyer's Lavender Hand Soap. I don't know what it is, but there is something inspiring and wanting things clean when you have such a great scent!

Happy Weekend!

Happy Anniversary Humble Pie!

Photo courtesy of Humble Pie

If you don't know Sweet Lissa from Humble Pie, you are missing out!

She is the Martha Stewart of Blogland. There is not a cleaner, more charming house than hers.

Oh, and did I mention the recipes and mouth-watering photos of what she prepares for her family?

I have been following her for a long time and I am offering a $25.00 gift certificate to my etsy shop as a special thank you to her for all of her inspiration and hard work on her beautiful blog, which is two years old this week!

Change is coming!

(Photo from mochatini.com)

I really had a lot of things swimming in my head today. I really need some positive changes and I know it will only come if I seek God. And do you know what? HE already answered!

First, I went to the lovely Lissa's blog Humble Pie and her post today was exactly what I needed. Yes Lissa, God is AMAZING! And please check out her blog to see her inspiring new artwork she picked up this weekend.

Next I went over to my friend Tara's blog, blondiensc. She also has a wonderful way with words and her post is very powerful today.

Finally, my childhood friend Lisa has a quote today which I want to share with all of you:

"When life gives you LIMES, adjust the letters and share a SMILE."

Change really is coming!